EA to shelve 'Need for Speed'?

Electronic Arts (EA) could be about to cull the Need for Speed street racing series, which dates back to 1994.

Unconfirmed reports originating on Electric Playground have suggested that EA is considering the closure of EA Black Box in Vancouver, Canada, which makes the racing games.

The rumour follows an unenthusiastic critical reception and slow sales for the latest title in the franchise, Need for Speed: Undercover.

EA has so far declined to confirm or deny the reports, but previously announced plans to trim 600 jobs worldwide in the face of increasingly difficult economic conditions.